Rugby: Japan to face Arabian Gulf, S. Korea in World Cup qualifiers
February 8, 2006Japan will face Arabian Gulf on April 16 and South Korea on April 23, both in Tokyo, in the 2006 round-robin Asian qualifying round for next year's rugby World Cup in France, the Japan Rugby Football Union said Tuesday. The top two teams in Division 1 will progress to the final round of Asian qualifiers to be held in Sri Lanka in November, and will be joined by a team with the best record in Division 2. The winner will from the final group advances to the 2007 World Cup.
Olympics: Kato 4th, Shimizu 5th in time trials
February 8, 2006World record holder Joji Kato clocked the fourth fastest time and Japanese compatriot Hiroyasu Shimizu followed in fifth in a men's 500-meter time trial on Tuesday. Gold medal favorite Kato crossed the finish line in 35.40 seconds at the Oval Lingotto indoor arena, the speed skating venue for the Winter Olympic Games opening Friday, after slowing down and cruising down the homestretch.